What is the term for the contraction phase of the heartbeat?

The contraction phase of the heartbeat is termed systole. During systole, the heart muscles contract, specifically the ventricles, which pumps blood out of the heart and into the arteries. This phase is crucial for maintaining blood circulation throughout the body, ensuring that oxygenated blood reaches the tissues and organs that require it.

In contrast, diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heartbeat, when the heart muscle relaxes after contraction and the chambers of the heart fill with blood. Bradycardia and tachycardia are terms that describe heart rates: bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, while tachycardia indicates a faster than normal heart rate. Understanding the distinction between these terms helps clarify the dynamics of cardiac function and rhythm.